Some property owners in Haleiwa town are concerned about possible improvements to Kamehameha Highway.

One of the main concerns is property owners would have to pay for some of the costs.

On this busy holiday, the only road through Haleiwa town is bustling with business. But concern is spreading though this historic place.

“I actually got really upset,” Cathy Aoki said.

That’s how Aoki felt after reading this letter from the city. She just closed the doors to Aoki’s Shave Ice last week and is getting ready for a new beginning.

“And it turns into finding out that we may have to pay for some improvements that we don’t even want,” Aoki said.

According to the letter, the City Council has initiated the process for improvements along Kamehameha Highway. Concrete sidewalks, landscaping and underground utilities, just to name a few. But the city believes the properties that benefit from these changes, should pay for some of them.

John Moore, who owns Strong Current and Grass Skirt Grill says he needs more information.

“If they would kind of take it a part and kind of tell us what the cost of the different phases are, I for one, would have a better idea,” Moore said.

There are some changes that would be welcomed, such as sidewalks. Other improvements? He’s not too sure.

“People are divided on whether or not they want wires put underground. The argument for some people is if there’s a hurricane, it’ll be okay,” Moore said.

At least 60 percent of the property owners need to approve the project for it to move forward. If there is enough interest, the city will put together a preliminary report and then tell owners their portion of the cost.

After estimates are sent out, property owners will be asked again if they approve of the project.